Surgical trimming tool

Abstract

A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.

1. A cranial-flap fixation system, comprising:
 a cranial-flap clamp comprising a first closure member slidably attached to the stem so as to be moved towards the first closure member to lock a cranial flap to a skull;  
 a tensioning tool for tensioning the first and second closure member relative to one another; and  
 a stem trimming tool configure to remove excess stem extending from the second tensioned closure member, the trimming tool comprising: 
 a first cutting jaw extending from the first end of the first handle;  
 a second cutting jaw extending from the first end of the second handle, wherein the first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another; and  
 a clip having a first end fixed to either the first or second cutting jaw and a second end extending over the jaw and configured to retain the cut object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the cut object is forcibly removed from the clip.  
 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , including a spring interposed between the first and second handles of the trimming tool for biasing the first and second jaws into an open position. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the spring comprises first and second leaf springs, a first end of the first leaf spring being attached to the second end of the first handle, a first end of the second leaf spring being attached to the second end of the second handle, wherein the second ends of the first and second leaf springs are connected to each other. 
     
     
       4. The systen of  claim 1 , wherein the clip is resiliently flexible and configured to flex upward as an object is cut so as to retain the object between the second end of the clip and the associated first or second jaw. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the clip includes a sharp edge generally positioned over the cutting edge of the associated first or second jaw and adapted to partially cut into a portion of the stem to securely hold the removed stem within the jaws.